- Location: Simokita Peninsula
- Height of the summit: 879 m
Japan - an amazing country, which, according to ethnologists, inhabits the most intelligent people. But so it is interesting that along with high technologies hand in hand there are many prejudices, superstitions and religious prohibitions. Mountain Osorezan (or mountain of fear) - one of such sacred places, surrounded by secrets and legends.
general information
The Osorezan Mountain (or Osooreima) is a weakly active volcano located on the Simokita peninsula in Aomori Prefecture. Particularly part of the national park of the peninsula, the height of its peak is 879 m above sea level. The last volcanic eruption was recorded in 1787.
It is reminiscent of a stone desert: here you will see individual stones of the rock, painted in yellowish-gray colors, almost complete absence of vegetation, and a lake which, due to the large amount of sulfur released, acquired an unnatural color. Only the top of the mountain is covered with a low forest, surrounded by 8 ledges, between which runs the Sanzu River and Kava.
Legend of the Mountain of Fear
This place was discovered by a Buddhist monk about 1000 years ago, when he wandered around the neighborhood in search of the Buddha's mountain. The Japanese saw in the landscapes of Mount Osorezan the signs of hell and paradise, where the mountain itself serves as a gateway to the afterlife. According to legend, the souls of the dead before entering the gate must pass through the Sanzu River and Kavu.
On the territory of the Osorezan mountain, ancient Buddhists built a temple, which was given the name Bodaydzi. Every year on July 22, ceremonies are held in the temple, where blind women (itako) establish contact with the deceased. Many people come here with the hope of once again hearing the voices of their beloved people. To become itako, blind women hold a three-month fast, pass the ritual of purifying the soul and body, and then, falling into a trance, communicate with the departed people. On the territory of the monastery beats a hot spring, which is considered a saint, and bathing in it helps get rid of illnesses.
Childhood deity
Jizo is a Japanese deity, a protector of children. It is believed that the souls of the dead children flock to the Sanzu River. To get to paradise, they need to build a Buddha figure of stones in front of the river. Evil spirits constantly interfere with the children's souls in this, and Jizo protects from evil demons, so here everything is fixed by his figures. Even in Japan, it is believed that all the rivers run to where the child defender Jizo is. Therefore, thousands of Japanese who lost their children write notes and send them down the Sanzu River as part of the ritual at the Bodaiji Monastery.
How to get there and when to visit?
You can get to Osorezan mountain by buses that leave from Simokita station 6 times a day. The road to the foot will take about 45 minutes, the fare will be about $ 7.
You can see a mountain of fear at any time of the year, but you should know that the Bodayjid Temple is closed for visits from November to April.